Bandera ISD's Official Tumblelog

Bandera FFA Takes Top Honors at Texas A&M The Bandera FFA...

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:38:00 -0500

Bandera FFA Takes Top Honors at Texas A&M

The Bandera FFA Livestock Judging Team travelled to Texas A&M to judge in the annual Aggiefest. The team consisted of Corey Flach, Cody Mayfield, Justin Klinksiek, and Colton Klinksiek. The team won the contest with three of the members placing in the top ten. Second high individual was Corey Flach, third high was Cody Mayfield, and Justin Klinksiek was the ninth high individual competing against 240 other FFA & 4-H members. The champion team received a plaque, caps, and ribbons.

Carrillo and Leal Named Students of the Month The Bandera ISD...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Carrillo and Leal Named Students of the Month

The Bandera ISD Board of Trustees recognized two outstanding children as Students of the Month for November 2009. All through the academic year, two students are chosen each month who best exemplify one of the five characteristics listed in Bandera ISD’s Graduate Profile. The five characteristics are: Independent Thinkers, Accepting of Diversity, Passionate, Academically Aggressive, and Good People.

The Board recognized Jacob Carrillo and Danise Leal. Both of these exceptional children go to school at Bandera Middle School. Each student received a commemorative certificate from their Principal Joy Ryan, a lapel pin from Board President Dr. Barbara Skipper, and a congratulatory letter from Superintendent Dr. Kevin Dyes.

Two Juniors Named to Express-News Teen Team Bandera High ...

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:34:00 -0400

Two Juniors Named to Express-News Teen Team

Bandera High School Juniors Megan Greebon and Megan Moran were chosen by the San Antonio Express-News for their 2009-2010 Teen Team. The Teen Team is an advisory board for the Express-News, and requires the students selected to make a year-long commitment to the program. “This is an intense learning experience that will reap huge rewards for our journalism students” stated BHS Teacher Cindy Mazurek. The Teen Team will meet once a month and each member will have monthly assignments. The team also has a blog that that will be generated by the members and will contribute guest columns, reviews of movies, and stories to the newspaper.

Education Foundation Learns from a State Leader The Board of...

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0400

Education Foundation Learns from a State Leader

The Board of Directors of the Bandera ISD Education Foundation had the opportunity to hear from one of the state leaders in the education foundation business during their September meeting. Larry Goddard is the Executive Director of the Tyler ISD Foundation and Chairman for the Education Foundation Division of the Texas School Public Relations Association.

Mr. Goddard came to Bandera to present “The Responsibilities of a Bandera ISD Education Foundation Director” to members on the current board. The essence of his presentation concentrated on the Four F’s: Friendship, Focus, Fidelity, and Future. Once the presentation was completed, Mr. Goddard shared some successful fund raising ideas that he seen met with success. He also dialogued with the directors about the upcoming calendar year and discussed how the foundation can capitalize on planning successful events.

Friederich and Morrow Named Students of the Month The Bandera...

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:48:36 -0400

Friederich and Morrow Named Students of the Month

The Bandera ISD Board of Trustees recognized two outstanding children as Students of the Month for September 2009. All through the academic year, two students are chosen each month who best exemplify one of the five characteristics listed in Bandera ISD’s Graduate Profile. The five characteristics are: Independent Thinkers, Accepting of Diversity, Passionate, Academically Aggressive, and Good People.

The Board recognized Trenton Thomas Friederich, a Pre-K student; and Deja Morrow, a 4^th grade student. Both of these exceptional children go to school at Alkek Elementary School. Each student received a commemorative certificate from their Principal Scott Tipton, a lapel pin from Board President Dr. Barbara Skipper, and a congratulatory letter from Superintendent Dr. Kevin Dyes.

More School Supply Donations Get Distributed Bandera ISD has...

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 10:20:00 -0400

More School Supply Donations Get Distributed

Bandera ISD has received more school supplies through the generosity of several individuals and organizations. Backpacks were the donation of choice this year from the Kiwanis International Club of Bandera County. Kiwanis Club member and Treasurer Denise Griffin dropped off several loads of backpacks that were distributed to Bandera ISD Elementary Schools.

More school backpacks came from State Senator Carlos Uresti and his staff. A volunteer for the Senator who lives in Bandera County procured 300 backpacks for Hill Country Elementary, Alkek Elementary and Bandera High School. Each backpack contained some school supplies and other items for boy or girl students.

Members from Bandera United Methodist Church stopped by the Bandera ISD Central Office on Friday to round out the week’s generosity. Bags and bags of pencils, pens, filler paper, binders, and more were dropped of to be distributed to the schools next week

Bandera ISD Students Celebrate Bandera! Bandera ISD students ...

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:40:00 -0400

Bandera ISD Students Celebrate Bandera!

Bandera ISD students from Alkek Elementary School and Hill Country Elementary School learned and participated in the Celebrate Bandera Circle of Life Intertribal Powwow held at Mansfield Park. Just one of the many events during Bandera’s 154^th Anniversary Celebration weekend, the Circle of Life Powwow was a great way for students to enjoy and learn about the American Indian culture. Throughout the day, students moved from station to station and discovered history in action.

Teachers and Staff Rally at Convocation In one last hurrah ...

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:53:34 -0400

Teachers and Staff Rally at Convocation

In one last hurrah together before the start of the 2009-2010 year, Bandera ISD teachers and staff gathered together for their annual back-to-school convocation. A busy morning was on the agenda with several speakers taking the podium prior to the keynote presenter Mike Daggs.

Bandera ISD School Board President Dr. Barbara Skipper welcomed the staff back and shared the boards goals for the upcoming year. Next, Bandera ISD Education Foundation President Elizabeth Scott shared information about this years Educator Initiative Grants and how easy it is for teachers to apply. Dr. Kevin Dyes closed out the preliminary program with the annual State of the District presentation. Dyes outlined accomplishments and challenges for the district in six critical areas: School Finance; Facilities and Maintenance; Personnel; Academics and Student Performance; Community Involvement and Communications; and School Safety.

Keynote speaker Mike Daggs, from Tutt & Daggs, presented “Engage Life! Teachers Engaging Students”. Tutt & Daggs have been speaking to and inspiring groups for the past 10 years in the area of employee commitment and corporate culture. Both Tutt and Daggs are well-regarded by leaders across the nation, whose presentations lead participants through an entertaining time, designed to challenge their current level of commitment and inspire them to maximize their potential impact on the lives of the people they serve.

Freshman Get the Grand Tour During Annual Fish Camp The Bandera...

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:49:24 -0400

Freshman Get the Grand Tour During Annual Fish Camp

The Bandera High School Class of 2013 got the grand tour of the campus during this year’s annual Fish Camp. Moving throughout the morning to various rotation stations, the incoming freshman met their teachers, received their schedules and locker assignments, had their student ID photo taken, and much more. Tours of the campus were led by the Bandera High School Cheerleading Squad. Groups of students and parents followed the cheerleaders throughout the campus, and heard some insight into navigating the sometime confusing hallways. One of the last rotations included a motivational assembly conducted by Jostens. The assembly focused on the future and allowed the students to move forward in time by trying on a graduation gown and cap.

Lights! Camera! Action! New Teachers Take the...

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:31:06 -0400

Lights! Camera! Action! New Teachers Take the Spotlight!

Twenty Five new teachers to Bandera ISD, started the school year a few days earlier to begin their 2009 New Teacher Orientation. “Lights! Camera! Action!” was the theme with the new teachers being the stars. The teachers received a welcome address from Board President Dr. Barbara Skipper who talked about the Board’s commitment to the teachers and students of the district. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Dyes introduced the campus and district administrators to the Bandera ISD novices, and emphasized the district’s mission statement and goals. Assistant Superintendent Regina Howell kept the new teachers on schedule as many different topics were covered during the first day of events.

Thanks for the Hard Work! For many people, ...

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:29:54 -0400

Thanks for the Hard Work!

For many people, summertime is a time for vacations and relaxing. For Bandera ISD’s Support Departments - it means time to make sure that our schools are ready for another successful year! While the Maintenance Department completes projects that were scheduled, the Transportation Department was making sure that all district vehicles were ready for another year, and the Custodial Staff was cleaning and waxing over 441,000 square feet of classroom and office space. As a thank you for their hard work and dedication, district administration catered a barbeque luncheon for the support staff to enjoy. Bandera ISD new teachers were invited to the luncheon as well so they can meet many of the people who work behind the scenes to guarantee the success and safety of our students.

Generous Donations Help Bandera ISD Families Get Ready ...

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:27:00 -0400

Generous Donations Help Bandera ISD Families Get Ready for School

Thanks to the generosity of several local organizations, many children attending Bandera ISD schools will not have to worry about purchasing school supplies for the upcoming year. This past week, the Bandera ISD Central Office received large school supply donations from the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Bandera County Republican Women, and the Order of the Eastern Star. “I know that many families are struggling in those tough economic times”, stated Superintendent Dr. Kevin Dyes. “These donations will help many of our students get the right start on the new school year”. Donations received included: backpacks, filler papers, pens, pencils, crayons, graph paper, composition books, and more.

Board Accepts Donation from Frontier Times Museum The Bandera...

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:35:15 -0400

Board Accepts Donation from Frontier Times Museum

The Bandera ISD Board of Trustees received a donation of $500 from the Frontier Times Museum during their regularly scheduled July Board Meeting. The donation will be used to offset transportation costs for Bandera ISD 4^th and 7^th Grade students attending field trips at the museum during the 2009-2010 school year. The Frontier Times Museum is a museum of the American West located in Bandera on 13^th Street. The facility was opened in 1933 by author, historian, and printer John Marvin Hunter.

Bandera ISD Back To School Information

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:10:00 -0400

If you’re looking for information on the upcoming school year, we made it easy for you to find. Just visit the Bandera ISD web site and click on the blue button that is labeled “Back to School Info”.

FYI - School starts again on August 24th!

Twirlers Shine at Leadership Camp Bandera High School’s feature...

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:37:18 -0400

Twirlers Shine at Leadership Camp

Bandera High School’s feature twirlers for the 2009-2010 school year, Danielle Churchman and Zeanna Rivera, recently completed the Fred J. Miller Leadership and Auxiliary Camp at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. The two ladies worked on their leadership skills and twirling skills in preparation for the upcoming school year. “The girls did great at the camp” explained Band Director Tim Howell. “I look forward to working with them during our halftime performances”.

Stewart Earns Texas FFA State Scolarshipby Katie...

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:12:00 -0400

Stewart Earns Texas FFA State Scolarship
by Katie Childers, FFA Sponsor

On June 10^th Nicole Stewart traveled to Tarleton State University to interview for a Texas FFA State Scholarship. Miss Nicole Stewart was selected as one of the top six students to earn a $10,000 Texas FFA State Scholarship. In order for Nicole to secure an opportunity to earn a Texas FFA State Scholarship she had to begin in April completing a 26 page application, interview and advance at both the District and Area FFA Conventions, and maintain a high grade point average. Texas FFA provides 1 million dollars in scholarships each year to active FFA seniors. Nicole was able to earn this scholarship through her dedication and hard work through the Bandera FFA Chapter. Over the past five years as an active FFA member, she has participated on state level FFA public speaking contests, State Horse Judging, served as an FFA Officer for 3 years, and showed market goats, horses, and chickens at both the local and state livestock shows. Along with all of her accomplishments through the FFA, she has also maintained a 3.85 high school GPA and was in the top 10 percent of her graduating class. Throughout Nicole’s past five years in the Bandera FFA program she has earned a total of $ 24,000 in both agriculture and academic scholarships. The following money Nicole has earned will help pay for College at Texas A&M University to pursue a career in Agriculture Communications and Journalism: Texas FFA State Scholarship, San Antonio Stock Show Record Book Calf Scramble Scholarship, Thomas H. “Bub” Keese Memorial Scholarship, Cargill & Barrel House Feed & Hardware Memorial Scholarship, Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund Grant, Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show Scholarship, and the Joe E. Langford Scholarship.

To all future FFA members the availability of agriculture scholarships is possible through leadership roles held through the FFA Organization, FFA competitions, maintaining high grades, outstanding SAT and ACT scores, community service, and developing public speaking skills.

Drum Majors Attend Leadership Camp The Bandera High School ...

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:15:00 -0400

Drum Majors Attend Leadership Camp

The Bandera High School 2009 Drum Majors, Patricia Cornwell and Monique Figueroa, just attended the SASI Leadership and Conducting Camp at Texas State University in San Arcos. “What a great camp” stated Band Director Tim Howell. “We are looking forward to using the things they learned during the upcoming marching season”.

Board Unanimously Approves New Teacher Payscale

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:56:20 -0400

The Bandera ISD Board of Trustees approved the administrative recommendation for employee pay raises, and unanimously approved a new teacher payscale for the 2009-2010 school year. Beginning teachers with a Bachelors Degree will earn $41,600 per year. This is an increase of $1,700 from the 2008-2009 payscale. Teachers with one to 30 years of experience will receive a pay raise of $1,800. The Board also continued to reward veteran teachers by maintaining the payroll scale through 30 years of experience, versus the State’s 20 year maximum. Para-professional employees will receive a $50 per month increase, auxiliary employees will receive a seventy five cent per hour increase, and administrators will receive a $2,000 per year increase.

A complete listing of the 2009-2010 Teacher Payscale is available for download from the Bandera ISD web site at www.banderaisd.net/HR. Bandera ISD payroll costs for the 2009-2010 school year is $15,186,878 which is approximately 81% of the district’s total budget. The Bandera Independent School District is the largest employer in Bandera County.

Bandera ISD Summer Hours

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:05:00 -0400

Bandera ISD Central Office (815 Pecan Street)

Superintendent’s Office (Superintendent, Personnel, Federal Programs, Communications)

Monday through Thursday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Business Office

Monday through Thursday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: Closed

Technology Department:

Monday through Thursday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: Closed

Support Facility (1576 Hwy 173)

Transportation Department:

Monday through Friday: 5:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Ryan Named New Principal at Bandera Middle School

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:06:12 -0400

Effective immediately, Joy Ryan has been named the new Principal at Bandera Middle School. Ryan joined Bandera ISD in 2007, serving as the Assistant Principal at Bandera High School for the past two years. She began her educational career 18 years ago in Junction ISD, and then taught middle school at Lueders-Avoca ISD before spending the next 15 years with Lampasas ISD.

“Ms. Ryan will do a great job serving the students and staff at Bandera Middle School”, stated Superintendent Dr. Kevin Dyes. “Her attitude and professionalism will keep the campus successful and on target”.

“I am excited and humbled to have this opportunity”, explained Ryan during a meeting with faculty and staff earlier today. “I look forward to getting to know all of you and our students as we work together to continue the great tradition of success that Bandera Middle School has enjoyed”. Ms. Ryan earned both her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Texas Tech University.